Rampur and Mudhol Hounds: BSF’s Indigenous Dog Breeds

In a proud march toward self-reliance and to showcase India’s growing capability, the Border Security Force (BSF) has therefore enlisted more than 150 indigenous dog breeds—mainly the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound, into its working forces. Trainers are now preparing these indigenous dog breeds for highly specialized military and security roles. For the first time in Indian history, India is actively using the potential of its domestic canine breeds.

Indian Dog Breeds get a New Lease of Life.

Indian dog breeds are being trained in complex missions for, first time to achieve:

• Helicopter slithering
• River rafting
• Border surveillance and counterinsurgency.
• Special operation commando assistance.

This is the specialized training that is taking place in the National Training Centre of Dogs (NTCD) located in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Approximately a dozen dogs are already helping commandos when they are conducting aerial inserts into combat areas.

Rampur Hound: The Haste and the Power of the North.

The Rampur Hound is an Indian breed native to Uttar Pradesh. It descends from Afghan Hounds and English Greyhounds, originally bred by the Nawabs of Rampur. Known for keen eyesight, stamina, and loyalty, Rampurs were highly valued by the Mughal nobility for hunting large animals.

Key Traits:

• Able to achieve speeds of more than 40 mph.
• Very, very loyal and smart.
• By nature, an introvert when it comes to strangers.
• Resistant to changing weather conditions in India.
• High-quality tracking and guarding skills.

These sighthounds are obedient and disciplined, and thus they are the best to use in the surveillance, patrolling and chasing activities on the borders of India.

The Pride Among Indigenous Dog Breeds

The Mudhol Hound or the Caravan Hound originates in Mudhol, Karnataka. Raja Malojirao Ghorpade bred these dogs and later presented them to King George V. This gift brought them worldwide fame for their grace and stamina.

The Mudhol Hound made its mark in the military forces as the first Indian breed trained at the Indian Army Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) in Meerut in 2016.

Key Traits:

• Elastic, fast, and very tenacious.
• Vigilant and brave by nature.
• Unresponsive to illness and extreme weather.
• Minimal maintenance is required.
• Trains well to search, track, and detect.

Lucknow BSF Mudhol Hound Riya made history at the All India Police Duty Meet in 2024 by giving the award of Best in Tracker Trade, and this was a demonstration of the greatness of the breed.

Why These Breeds Matter

Officials highlight that Rampur and Mudhol Hounds embody the Make in India spirit. These breeds actively showcase the potential of India’s indigenous dogs, which previously had been overshadowed by Labradors and German Shepherds.

The reasons why Indigenous Breeds are good include:

• Adjust to the Indian climate.
• Need fewer maintenance and medical services.
• Demonstrate high loyalty and intelligence.
• Enhance country breeding measures.
• Less reliance on brought-in dogs.

A Step Toward Self-Reliance

The BSF’s use of these native breeds is a proud step in modernizing India’s K9 units. Today, the armed forces maintain over 30 canine units, each with around 20 dogs. These dogs are trained to guard, track, and detect explosives.

Even after retirement, these loyal dogs continue to serve. Some dogs stay on guard duty, while others move to hospitals to help with rehabilitation work. Their undeterred spirit is truly remarkable.

Indigenous hounds like Rampur and Mudhol protect India’s borders. They symbolize bravery, strength, and the nation’s growing self-confidence.